Australia is set to give New Zealanders a different treatment regarding deportation appeals as recommended by a team set up by Australia Home Affairs Minister, Peter Dutton.

The inquiry also recommended that New Zealand students who have had four years of their higher education in Australia be given access to student loans.

Last year, the government of New Zealand submitted recommendations regarding New Zealanders immigration status to Australia, and many of them have now been backed by Australia according to latest reports. Decision makers in Australia have been urged to consider New Zealanders special immigration status whenever they are reviewing cancellation of visa based on character. Offenses such as murder, rape and sexual assault involving children are excluded from this special treatment.

In late 2014, visa cancellation became a must in Australia which means that anybody with twelve months or more jail term will be permanently deported from the country. In 2017, above 50 percent of visa cancellations, 620, in the country involved New Zealanders.

Australia should be Responsible

Before the policy change in 2014, New Zealanders received about 65 deportations per year from Australia, representing about one deportation per week. The number jumped significantly to about one per day since the policy change which has raised concerns in New Zealand.

Addressing the situation, Chris Seed – former New Zealand High Commissioner – said most of these New Zealanders are long term residents of Australia and are such products of the Australian system; hence, Australia should take responsibility for them if the positive trans-Tasman relationship between the two countries will not be threatened.

The latest special treatment for New Zealanders is a welcomed development for the relationship and citizens of both countries.

Stay connected to Visa Weeklyto get updates on Visa and Immigration news from Australia, Canada, Europe, the UK and, the US! We will also assist for the better visa process. Please approach us for the smooth and quick visa process.